Is it safe for me to use an inhaler for my asthma now that I am pregnant?

You are probably worried about using your inhaler for your asthma now that you are pregnant; rest assured it is perfectly safe. Your doctor too will recommend that you use it to keep your asthma in check.A severe asthma attack obstructs oxygen supply to you and the baby and can be risky for both you and the baby. It increases your risk of preeclampsia, high blood pressure and preterm delivery of your baby.Now you might be worried about how the medication will affect the unborn baby. Mostly all inhaler medication fall broadly under two categories:

Anti-inflammatories These are medication taken to avoid or improve your symptoms. They do not work immediately and help you with your breathing but rather work over time. The studies on these medications have not proven any risks when taken by pregnant women.

Bronchodilators These work quickly, they make it easier to breathe by relaxing the airways causing them to open up. These too are considered safe for inhalation during pregnancy.

It would be easier on you and more beneficial to discuss the asthma with your gynaecologist when trying to conceive or immediately after you do actually conceive. This way based on how your symptoms are (same, mild, severe) now with the pregnancy, the doctor can adjust the medication dosage for you.Inhalers are anyways better than pills as much less medication actually ends up reaching the baby.Always remember that the risks associated with the medication is much less compared to those associated with you having a severe asthma attack now.